にして ②
To be ~ and ~, To be ~ as well as ~, Both ~ and ~
Structure
［な］Adjective + にして
Explanation
The particle に and the て-form of the verb する, which is して, can sometimes be viewed together as a single compound particle. This doesn't alter its fundamental use, but it does serve to underscore the idea of 'being (A), and also (B)'. In English, this nuance is often captured with phrases like '(A) as well as (B)', 'both (A) and (B)', or 'not only (A) but also (B)'.
You will see this particular usage of にして connected to either nouns or な-Adjectives.
- このホテルの部屋は静かにして清潔なので、とても快適です。This hotel room is very comfortable because it is both quiet and clean.
- 田中さんは医者にして有名な小説家でもある。Mr. Tanaka is both a doctor and a famous novelist.
There are also a couple of fixed expressions, namely 幸いにして and 不幸にして. These function as adverbs meaning 'fortunately' and 'unfortunately', respectively.
- 財布をなくしたと思ったが、幸いにしてカバンの中にあった。I thought I had lost my wallet, but fortunately, it was in my bag.
- 不幸にして、彼らのチームは試合に負けてしまった。Unfortunately, their team ended up losing the game.
Caution
Much like the fixed phrases 幸いにして and 不幸にして, the 'both (A) and (B)' meaning of にして is typically used with a somewhat limited range of words. For this reason, it's safest to stick with using combinations that you have already encountered.
Fun Fact
Although the final tense of a sentence can affect its overall interpretation, it's helpful to know that all structures using にして share a common function: to emphasize that (A) serves as a basis for, or exists simultaneously with, (B).
Examples
この庭園は静寂にして優雅な雰囲気がある。
This garden has an atmosphere that is both tranquil and elegant.
そのデザインは斬新にしてどこか懐かしい。
That design is both innovative and somehow nostalgic.
祖父は厳格にして愛情深い人だった。
My grandfather was a person who was both strict and deeply affectionate.
彼は一流のシェフにして人気の料理ブロガーでもある。
He is both a first-class chef and a popular food blogger as well.
彼女は優秀なピアニストにして、同時に作曲家としても有名である。
She is both an excellent pianist and, at the same time, famous as a composer.
このホテルは豪華にしてサービスも最高級だ。
This hotel is both luxurious, and its service is top-class too.
大学生にして自分の会社を経営しているなんて、彼はすごいね。
To think that he's both a university student and running his own company, he's amazing, isn't he?
プロの棋士にしてプログラミングもできるなんて、あなたの頭脳はどうなっているんだ？
To be both a professional shogi player and be able to program, what on earth is your brain made of?
市議会議員にして三児の母でもある彼女の一日は非常に忙しい。
Being both a city council member and a mother of three, her days are incredibly busy.
彼の言葉は簡潔にして要点を突いている。
His words are both concise and get straight to the point.
アスリートにして科学者でもあるなんて、彼の才能には驚かされる。
I'm amazed by his talent, being both an athlete and a scientist.
この万年筆は書き味の良さにしてデザインの美しさも評価されている。
This fountain pen is acclaimed for both its excellent writing feel and its beautiful design.